Cheeses from Iran

A guide to cheeses from Iran, highlighting the country's most notable and diverse varieties.

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Jajikhli Panir

Jajikhli Panir is a traditional Iranian cheese made from sheep's or goat’s milk. It is known for its creamy texture and mild, somewhat salty flavor. This cheese is typically formed into balls and soaked in brine, and is commonly used in salads, sandwiches, and various traditional Iranian dishes.

Country: Iran
Milk Type: Ewe's milk
Texture: Semihard
Flavor: Salty, acidic, fermented

Kupa Paniri

Kupa Paniri is a traditional Iranian cheese typically made from sheep's milk, although goat's milk can also be used. This cheese has a soft texture and a mild, creamy flavor, somewhat similar to fresh mozzarella. It is often used in salads, served with fresh bread, or enjoyed as part of breakfast spreads in Iran.

Country: Iran
Milk Type: Ewe’s, goat’s, cow’s, and buffalo’s milk or a mixture
Texture: Dry, brittle
Flavor: Pleasant, salty

Lighvan Paniri

Lighvan Paniri is a traditional Iranian cheese from the Lighvan valley in the province of East Azerbaijan. Made primarily from sheep's milk, this cheese is aged in brine, giving it a salty flavor and a crumbly texture. It has a distinctively tangy taste and is often used in salads, sandwiches, or served as part of a breakfast spread.

Country: Iran
Milk Type: Ewe’s milk, up to 20–30% goat’s milk
Texture: Soft, brittle with eyes
Flavor: Salty, acidic

Lor

Lor is an Iranian whey cheese, similar to ricotta but firmer and less creamy. It is made from the whey of sheep's, goat's, or cow's milk with added milk and salt. This cheese is low in fat and mild in flavor, typically used in Iranian cuisine as a filling for pastries or as a spread.

Country: Iran
Milk Type: Whey (from semihard cheeses like Peche)
Texture: Soft
Flavor: Slightly sweet cream

Motal Paniri

Motal Paniri is a traditional Armenian and Iranian cheese made from goat's or sheep's milk. It is often flavored with herbs such as wild garlic, fenugreek, or tarragon. This cheese has a crumbly texture and a strong, aromatic flavor, commonly enjoyed in traditional dishes or as part of a cheese platter.

Country: Iran
Milk Type: Ewe's, cow's
Texture: Semihard
Flavor: Salty, acidic

Ziraly Panir

Ziraly Panir is a traditional Iranian cheese known for its firm texture and mild, slightly salty flavor. It is typically made from cow's milk and is often used grated over dishes or served with nuts and dried fruits as part of a breakfast spread.

Country: Iran
Milk Type: Raw ewe’s milk (also goat and cow or mix)
Texture: Hard and brittle
Flavor: Salty, acidic, fermented aroma with cumin

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